For this assignment, you will summarize and respond to the core reading selected by your instructor. Check the Announcements page, the Course Calendar, and Class Session 2 for specifics on the core reading. Your instructor may also assign accompanying chapter material or reading guides, depending on the core reading selected.
The body of your paper will describe, summarize, and respond to the core reading.
• Description requires that you identify the core reading by title and the author by his/her full name. You may also briefly identify the genre or purpose of the core reading (that is, identify whether it is an essay, a short story, a poem, a report, an editorial, biography/memoir, instructions, persuasion, etc.). Tell your reader what the core reading is.
• Your summary should include an interpretation of the intended meaning of the reading-its main point, theme, or key issues-and point to significant details of the text that support this interpretation. Tell your reader what the reading is about and what it means.
• Your response should expand on your understanding of the core reading and the surrounding issues, and may incorporate your own ideas and experiences as they relate to the reading. This is your chance to say what you think, and why.
Your thesis statement should indicate your overall response to the core reading-whether it is your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with key ideas, or your insights interpreting and reflecting on the meaning of key ideas. Your ideas should be supported with evidence from the reading and possibly from your outside reading or experience. Cite specific quotes from the core reading to back-up your interpretations or use as touchstones for your responses. Your overall objective is to contribute to the conversation about this core reading and to engage your readers in your ideas-ideally, helping them to understand some aspect of the reading more fully. To do this effectively, you'll need to consider your readers/audience carefully as part of the collecting and shaping phase.